Dr.Robert Liftig, of Westport, speaks with Don Cavett, of Darien, at the GreenwichâÄôs 39th annual St. PatrickâÄôs Day parade at Greenwich Avenue, in Greenwich, Conn., March 17, 2013.
Photo: Helen Neafsey

Samantha and her mother Allyson Halm, president of Adopt-A-Dog, march at the GreenwichâÄôs 39th annual St. PatrickâÄôs Day parade at Greenwich Avenue, in Greenwich, Conn., March 17, 2013.
Photo: Helen Neafsey

William Connolly may have spent his whole life in Greenwich, but his heart is in Ireland, so much so that he has been mistaken for being a native.

"I have an Irish brogue that just naturally comes out," said Connolly, whose father was born in Carlow, Ireland. "It's to the point that native Irish will say, `What county are you from?' It makes me very proud."

Connolly, 82, served as grand marshal of Sunday's 39th annual Greenwich Hibernian Association St. Patrick's Parade. Connolly, a self-taught artist known for his pen and ink drawings, said riding in the forest green Mustang convertible along Greenwich Avenue was a great honor.

"There are a lot of us in Greenwich who are very proud of our Irish heritage," Connolly said after the procession, which included bagpipers and Irish dancing troupes from across the region, along with town groups.

Several members of Connolly's family traveled from near and far for the parade. Family members took a trip to Ireland together 15 years ago to explore their roots.

"We've always been proud of our Irish heritage," said Linda Magni, Connolly's niece, who lives in Ridgefield. "For us, it feels like a lifetime achievement to be able to honor him."

Connolly's grandson, 27-year-old Billy, traveled from Virginia for the parade.

"This kind of embodies him to the fullest," the younger Connolly said of the spectacle. "It's great to see him as grand marshal."

The parade was held on St. Patrick's Day for the first time in its history, said James Dougherty, a spokesman for the Greenwich Hibernian Association.

Dougherty explained that the group plans the Greenwich parade around the one in New York City, since a lot of local groups march in Manhattan. Since the flagship parade down Fifth Avenue was held Saturday because of religious observances on Sunday, Greenwich was able to celebrate on the actual holiday.

That was perfect for Melanie Flynn, a Greenwich native who lives in Darien.

"Personally, I might not have come out, because it's so cold," said Flynn, 48, who planted a chair in front of the Havemeyer Building on Greenwich Avenue, next to a tree she decorated with a Happy St. Patrick's Day banner.

Kathy Sabanski was one of many parade spectators who got into the spirit with an outlandish green-and-white top hat, and shamrock stickers stuck to her cheeks. She and her friends brought along their kids, who all attend New Lebanon School.

"It's a lot of fun," said Sabanski, 45, who grew up in Greenwich. "The kids really enjoy it."